A decision on whether to allow an office building on the site of a garage came to an abrupt end as councillors adjourned a meeting for legal advice.

Hertsmere Borough Council’s planning committee retired behind closed doors to discuss developer TLC Radlett’s proposals to demolish the Esso petrol station and Regency House in Watling Street and replace it with a three and four-storey office building.

Several councillors were opposed to the plans, which one warned would “destroy the character” of the area.

During the meeting, it emerged that the developer had originally submitted plans more in keeping with the town, but had been told to come up with “more contemporary” designs.

One councillor was told that the committee could not block the plans using a policy banning any building taller than two-storeys, as the council had already allowed a three-storey building nearby.

It also emerged that the planning committee’s chairman, Cllr Linda Silver, had been involved in coming up with the new design, however the council has confirmed this is “standard practice” for a ward councillor to be involved in the process.

Discussions were delayed at the outside after councillors John Graham and Seamus Quilty raised objection that a presentation would be given by a consultant from Place Services and not a planning officer at Hertsmere. However, council bosses shrugged off the concerns and the presentation went ahead.

The consultant had been brought in by the council after an initial design was knocked back by the council’s planning team. They had told the applicants to come up with a “more contemporary” style and worked for months on a design they hoped would get the backing of members of the committee.

It became clear from the outset that this was not the case.

Cllr Quilty said the building would “destroy the character of the area”.

He added: “If this was being proposed in an inner city, I’m all for it. But this should be a characterful site. I do think the site needs to be redeveloped however.”

Cllr Vivien Charrett, from Aldenham Parish Council, also spoke against the proposal, claiming the development was “too large” for the village.

But it was Cllr Graham who led the argument against the development.

He said it was “too big” and put forward a recommendation that the application be refused on grounds the design was “out of keeping with the area”.

He also said the committee should “listen to public opinion” after a debate on social media found that people of Radlett “preferred” the original design.

Cllr Graham pointed to national guidelines and a council policy saying that any redevelopment in Watling Street are should not approve a building of more than two storeys.

Head of planning, Christine Lyons, pointed out that a three-storey building next door had been given permission.

Cllr Graham was then told by the chairman of the planning committee, Cllr Linda Silver, to come up with a “stronger” argument for refusal.

Cllr David Lambert and Cllr Ruth Lyons also stated they would be voting against the proposal.

Cllr Jeremy Newmark said the application before them was “policy compliant” and saw no reason to refuse.

After councillors disappeared for around 30 minutes to hear legal advice, after Cllr Graham had raised the two storey policy, they returned before Cllr Silver announced the meeting would be deferred until Monday, so further advice could be sought.

Agent Richard Henley, acting on behalf of TLC Radlett Ltd, acknowledged that the design wasn’t “traditional Radlett’ but said it would bring 200 jobs and a community space.

The meeting will resume on Monday at 6pm at Hertsmere’s Civic Offices in Borehamwood.